Binghamton Boys & Girls Club Gets Funding

$145,000 is headed for new youth programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton.

Binghamton Mayor Richard David says the funding is for programs focusing on employment and evening activities for teens during the summer and after school and are part of the Year of the Neighborhoods pledge David outlined in his State of the City message.

The two-year initiative will direct $97,000 to the Club’s After Hours Teen Program, extending the hours Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Late-night programs will include sports, games, music, cooking, arts, guest speakers and field trips with transportation for 50 participants each year.

$33,000 will fund the Club’s Summer Youth Employment Program that enables low-income teens to explore career opportunities.  Seven participants are to be employed each year.

And $15,000 is directed at the Boys & Girls Club Membership Program to expand opportunities to 100 low-income youth.

The money is coming from the City’s share of the federal Community Development Block Grant program.